Sellers Tips

Seller’s Resources Preparing Your Home Through The Eyes of A Buyer Repair & Cleaning Checklist Possible Work Orders What To Do While Your House is Being Shown Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Selecting A Real Estate Agent

 

Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

• As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
• Paint house – this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard – Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyers looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home.  They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The Kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn thrown rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room

• Clean out the fireplace and places logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

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Repair & Cleaning Checklist

Front Door:

• Newly painted
• Doorbell operating
• Door brass polished
• Hinges oiled

Exterior of House:

• House recently painted
• Gutters recently cleaned
• Exterior lights operating
• Missing shingles replaces
• Moss removed from roof

Windows:

• Window trims painted
• Windows operating freely
• Cracked windowpanes replaced
• Windows washed

Driveway:

• Resurfaced
• Potholes patched
• Recently sealed

Patios:

• Wood stained or painted
• Fencing secure

Lawn:

• Lawn in good condition
• Grass mowed
• Edges trimmed

Trees/Shrubs:

• Dead branches pruned
• Dead shrubs replaced
• Overgrown shrubs pruned

Entry:

• Entry lights operating
• Floors cleaned
• Closet cleaned Closet light operating

Living Room:

• Recently painted
• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Carpets cleaned
• Furniture positioned to show space

Kitchen:

• Sink free of stains
• No dripping faucets
• Appliances in good working order
• Walls, cabinets free of stains
• Countertops cleared and cleaned
• Pantry neatly arranged
• Pantry hardware replaced
• Refrigerator defrosted

Family Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Windows operating freely
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned
• Hobby supplies put away

Bedrooms:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Floor waxed/refinished
• Carpets cleaned
• Beds made
• Laundry put away
• Floor free from clutter

Basement:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• No evidence of water penetration
• Dampness removed
• Cold water pipes covered
• Dehumidifier installed
• Sump pump installed
• No musty odors
• Drains cleared
• Furnace cleaned
• Storage neatly arranged
• Excess storage removed
• Floor swept
• Light fixtures operating
• Handrail secure
• Stairway runner secure

Dining Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Windows operating freely
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned

Bathrooms:

• Sink stains removed
• Leaky faucets repaired
• Grouting stains removed
• All joints caulked
• Missing tiles replaced
• All fixtures operating
• Floors cleaned
• New shower curtain
• All supplies stored
• Guest towels

 

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Possible Work Orders
The following is a list of some possible work orders.  The work orders must be completed prior to closing and the seller is responsible for having them done.  Check with your local authorities for specific requirements.

The following conditions may require a work order:

• Broken windows.
• Debris in crawl space.
• Dry rot or deterioration wood.
• Earth-wood contact.
• Overgrown shrubbery.
• Electrical not in working condition.
• Gutters and down spouts blocked or missing.
• A hot water tank without a 3/4″ discharge line.
• Inadequate foundation ventilation.
• Less than four feet of waterproof material around tub enclosures (tile, Formica, etc.)
• Less than 18″ clearance between soil and floor joists under entire house.
• Peeling or missing paint.
• Plumbing not in working condition.
• Single oil or gas space heaters to heat entire house.
• Water damage inside home.

You might have to:

• Pain the exterior and interior if in bad condition.
• Hook up to public water or sewer if available.
• Get county certification if home is on septic or well.
• Remove unused oil tanks or fill with cement-slurry or polyurethane foam.

Other items to remember:

• Inspectors will need access to the attic.
• Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale (i.e. hot water tank, alarm system, etc.)
• All assessments must be paid.
• Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements for maintenance on home where property line is within 3′ of structure.

Check with local authorities for specific requirements.

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While your Home is Being Shown

Before Your Home is Shown

• Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes)
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Tidy all the rooms.  Neatness makes a room easier to view.
• Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
• Keep toys in the children’s rooms.
• Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
• In fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

While Your Homes is Shown

• When possible, leave while the property is show. If not, remain in an area not being show by the sales associate.
• Let the real estate expert show your home. Answer question candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
• Refer inquires about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent’s professional skills in selling your home.
• Don’t mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
• It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
• Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
• Keep children quiet and in one area.
• Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

 

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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects the named insured against loss because of defects, liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters not show or disclosed to the new owner that attached before date of policy.

What is a wood-destroying organism inspection report?
A wood-destroying organism inspection report is a written opinion by a qualified state licensed structural pest control inspector based upon what was visible and evident at the time of inspection. The inspection report does not in any way represent or guarantee the structure to be free from wood-destroying organisms or their damage, nor does it represent or guarantee that the total damage or infestation is limited to that disclosed in the report.  Wood-destroying organisms include subterranean termites, damp wood termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles and wood decay fungus.

What are the hazards of lead-based paint?
All buyers and sellers are required by law to receive and read a pamphlet outlining the hazards of lead-based paint for homes build before 1978.  Be sure to ask your real estate agent for a copy.

What are closing costs?
Closing costs are an accumulation of charges paid to different entities associated with the buying and selling of real estate.  For buyers, they are usually about 4-6% of the total sales price of a property. Some of the closing costs you might encounter are: application fees, appraisal fee, county taxes, credit report, discount points, documentation fee, escrow fee, homeowners’ association fees, loan fees, mortgage insurance, origination fees, tax registration and title insurance premium.

What is the difference between “pre-qualified” and pre-approved”?

If you are “pre-qualified” you have determined, with a loan officer, what price you can afford based on the down payment, your debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for your mortgage.

Being “pre-qualified” is only the determination of your probable credit. If you are “pre-approved”, your credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender.

What should a home inspection include?
Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of at least the following:

1. Foundations
2. Roof
3. Heating and air conditioning systems
4. Ventilation
5. Common areas (in condominiums)
6. Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines*
7. Insulation
8. Plumbing and electrical systems
9. Ceiling, walls and floors
10. Doors
11. Hazardous materials concerns*

*There may be an additional fee for this.

What property details are usually included by Listing Services?
Usually, properties listed will include the following details:

• Location
• Price
• Photograph(s)
• Utilities
• Amenities
• Annual property tax
• Current financing (when assumable)
• Listing company

What pages are generally included in the Purchase and Sales Agreement?

• Agency Disclosure
• Financing Addendum/Clause
• Earnest Money Receipt
• Inspection/Clause
• Conditions/Disclosures Addendum
• Contingency
• Addendum Outlining Special Conditions
• Lead-Base Pain Notification
• Property Disclosure Form (completed by Sellers)

What is the difference between a REALTOR® & Real Estate Agent?

• REALTOR® identifies real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
• Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®.
• A REALTOR® may be an:
• appraiser
• property manager
• or involved in some other aspect of the real estate business.

 

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Selecting A Real Estate Agent

There are thousands of Real Estate Sales People who can show you properties although not all of them are qualified professionals. Some of the most important questions you should ask the Real Estate Sales Person include:

Your real estate professional should know what’s going on in the market in the area he/she covers in terms of average prices of houses sold, inventory available, neighborhood statistics, etc.

Experience in real estate doesn’t only come with years of practice but also comes with activity, prices vary very quickly and market conditions change. You real estate professional should be one who has being involved in several transactions and circumstances. One who follows, tracks the market and participates actively in it.

Take some time to interview your prospective Realtor. Ask as many questions as you can. Evaluate not only the experience and qualifications but also her/his time availability, find out how responsive to your request he/she is. Quiz him, it’s important to determine if he/she is listening to your needs.

When selling a property a key element is to find out if there is someone at the office when people call, if someone is available to show the house in a quick notice.

Remember, prospective buyers are going to be inquiring about your home; they may want to talk to someone as supposed to a machine that’s going to prompt them to follow instruction. 

Is the answering service at the office friendly and diligent? When selling your home put yourself in the buyers shoes and think, as a buyer how would you like to be treated when you call inquiring information about a house for sale?

Is your prospective Real Estate Agent a problem solver or a procrastinator?

Do your homework, make sure to get all your questions answered.

And last but not least; does this Realtor makes you feel comfortable? after all you are about to make one of the biggest financial decisions in your life.

As your REALTOR®, I, Giovanni Gonzalez, will provide the seriousness and respect that it demands.

 

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